Civitas Award 2015

Robert Lamb

Orchestrate – to arrange, coordinate, or manipulate elements to achieve a goal or effect.

When it comes to a successful major accomplishment, there is sure to be a skilled orchestrator leading the charge. This was certainly the case with the development of Lakehead University’s Orillia campus and the person leading the way was Robert Lamb, Lakehead Orillia’s 2015 Civitas Award recipient.

As the Manager of Economic Development for the City of Orillia from 2002 to 2009, Lamb was responsible for the development and implementation of projects to support economic development and quality of life in Orillia. The establishment of Lakehead University was one of his major projects. “I lived and breathed Lakehead University for much of my time with the City,” said Lamb.

From making the initial call to Lakehead’s President Dr. Fred Gilbert in 2002 to arranging for the purchase of the Horne family property, to advising on the hiring of Lakehead Orillia’s first staff members, Lamb was responsible for the orchestration of developing Lakehead’s campus in Orillia.

As lead negotiator for the university project, Lamb worked closely with Mayor Ron Stevens, the Economic Development Committee and members of the Mayor’s University Task Force to ensure a successful outcome for the project. The result was the opening of the downtown Orillia campus in just over 18 months from the time formal discussions began between the City of Orillia and the University.

Lamb went on to become the Manager of Economic Development at the County of Simcoe, where he continued to champion the development of Lakehead Orillia and ensured that it became a key part of the County’s economic development strategy.

Currently, Lamb is the Chief Administrative Officer/Deputy Clerk with the Township of Tay in Simcoe County and continues to be involved in the growth and development of Lakehead University. He is a member of the President’s Advisory Council on Economic Development (PACED) and a proud parent of a Lakehead student.

“Our vision was to do something different at Lakehead Orillia – to create an exceptional environment for learning – and I can see through my daughter’s experience that we are realizing this vision. The atmosphere for learning at the Orillia campus is truly one that allows students to excel.”